On Tue, 01 Jul 2003 08:37:58 -0400, lkh <lkh at mediaiscorp.com> wrote:
>On Tue, 01 Jul 2003 11:44:59 +1000, Richard Vickery
><Richard.Vickery at unsw.edu.au> wrote:
>>>TonyJeffs wrote:
>>> Is a cochlear hair cell a neuron or not? I've seen it categorised
>>> both ways.
>>> Is it a matter of preference? Has it changed as more is learned about
>>> the hair cell.
>>>>It makes a synapse and can also be post-synaptic to synapses. The
>>issue is that it does not generate action potentials. I don't
>>believe there is clear consensus on what to call it - it depends
>>upon how you define a neuron.
>>>>>>> What's the output? is it a variable release of neurotransmitter
>>> depending on incoming signal, or is it like the release from a
>>> presynaptic membrane?
>>>>The hair cell works with graded potentials that determine the
>>release of neurotransmitter, so it is your option A.
>>>>Call it a variable resistor.
I'd rather call it a variable oscillator.
Kal